Team Jupiter of LASU emerges as the winner of the second edition of the Cavista Hackathon

The second edition of the Cavista Hackathon concluded on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the esteemed Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos. Organized by Cavista Tech, a leading software development company operating in Nigeria, Botswana, India, and the Philippines, the hackathon witnessed the participation of 150 students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), and Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech).

During the 48-hour event, participants were challenged to conceptualize, develop, and present AI-based solutions to address health-related problems. Cavista provided participants with expert coaches who offered guidance and feedback on best practices throughout the hacking process.

At the culmination of the hackathon, nine finalist teams emerged, with Team Jupiter and Tech Med from LASU claiming the top positions and Farm Ceris of UNILAG securing the second runner-up spot. These teams showcased innovative solutions, with Team Jupiter”s AI dermatologist solution standing out among the entries.

The winners went home with ₦1 million, while the first and second runner-ups won ₦750,000 and ₦500,000, respectively.

Speaking to Techpoint AfricaMichael Eziamaka, the team lead for Team Jupiter, expressed excitement at their win, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the event and its potential to inspire future participation and innovation.

Bamidele Odufuye, Executive Director of Cavista Holdings, the parent company of Cavista Tech, stated that the hackathon was their way of giving back to society, nurturing talents, and addressing the skill gap in a conversation with Techpoint Africa. They aim to ensure that young people start thinking critically and solving problems on a global scale.

I have mentioned that this is the second edition of the hackathon and the first with three tertiary institutions participating. The first edition of the hackathon was held at Babcock University, and Odufuye considers it a success after one year.

He said that some participants from the first hackathon have been integrated into the Cavista team. “Some of them are currently working with us at Cavista Tech; it also helps us identify talent and partner with our global partners. And then some of them have evolved their products into real-world solutions.”

The need for more healthcare Innovation and opportunities for investment in local talents

Addressing the pressing need for innovation in the healthcare sector, Odufuye highlighted the hackathon’s focus on health-related challenges. He said, “Fintech is fast-growing; most people are doing it; entertainment is fast-growing; sports are fast-growing; but you see, the healthcare sector is lagging behind.

From the pitches you’ve seen today, some of the students have done a lot of research. Some of them are focused on the food aspect, while others are focused on the disease aspect. These are the things that are impacting lives in Nigeria. That’s why we have decided to focus on health and also leverage what artificial intelligence can do to accelerate the health sector.”

Odufuye expressed openness to collaboration with investors, noting the event’s global reach and Cavista’s presence in multiple countries. He said, “We are at a scale where we attract investors to our business.

Our company itself has invested millions of dollars in growing talent in Nigeria. So, this is an avenue for them to come in, we help them grow right within Cavista and then they can launch out.”